Chapter 284: If We Work Together!
“This is great! I managed to grab five cool melons. They were a bit pricey, but when I bring them back for my master’s birthday banquet tomorrow, they’ll definitely impress the guests!”
“You all had the numbers on your side—you managed to grab so many. Why not spare me two? Our Zhao family and your Li family have been old friends for years. I only got one, and our madam has been worrying about what gift to bring to her maternal uncle’s house. With this cool melon, she’ll be able to present herself honorably!”
“No way, no way! If I give you two, how will we have enough to serve at our banquet? We’re hosting thirty tables!”
Those who had missed out on buying were full of regret, while those who had snagged some were beaming with joy—some even feeling they hadn’t bought enough.
Zhang Hu quickly called his men to weigh the fruit and collect the money. In just fifteen minutes, every last melon and tomato was sold, and they hitched up their carts to return to the courtyard.
Meanwhile, Yu Luo arrived at a grocery store, carrying her fruit.
At first, the shopkeeper seemed uninterested, but as soon as she revealed her produce, his eyes lit up!
“What kind of fruit is this? I’ve never seen it before!”
“This is a cool melon, and this is a tomato. Let’s talk about the cool melon first. Only Xi Mo Kingdom has successfully grown it, and over the past few years, our family has been experimenting with cultivation. This year, we finally succeeded.
“If these cool melons hit the market, they’ll instantly become the top choice for noble households. Right now, only the royal family has access to them.
“Apart from their rarity, they’re incredibly refreshing during summer and are packed with water and flavor. If you’re serious about making a big deal, I can cut some right now for you to taste.”
“Wait—only the royals can eat this?!”
Hearing this, the shopkeeper’s face turned pale with fear.
“We’re just common folk! If we accidentally offend nobles, it’ll be too much trouble to handle!”
He had been interested at first, but now he looked terrified and hesitant.
Yu Luo sighed internally—she had forgotten that some people lacked the boldness to do business.
“Understood. I won’t trouble you, then.”
She put away her fruit, preparing to leave and look for another buyer.
“Miss, wait!”
Just as she was about to put the melon back into her bag, a man who had been watching from the doorway suddenly stepped forward and called out.
Yu Luo turned her gaze toward him—a man in his thirties, dressed in a silk robe, his hair neatly tied with a silver crown—clearly a merchant.
“Miss, I am Wu Zhao from the Wu Trading House here in Yueyang City.
“I happened to pass by and overheard your conversation with the shopkeeper. Would you be willing to show me your fruit?
“Just now, I was in the East Market and saw many people buying these fruits. But when I went to inquire, I was told that everything had already been purchased by a single buyer.
“If possible, I’d like to place an order with you.”
Hearing such good fortune fall into her lap, Yu Luo didn’t hesitate.
“Alright. Why don’t we move to your trading house and discuss the details?”
The two left the grocery store, and behind them, the shopkeeper suddenly felt a wave of regret.
“Did… did I just miss a huge business opportunity?”
“You certainly did!”
A middle-aged woman in her fifties came out from inside the store, glaring at him.
“That was Wu Zhao! If a big businessman like him sees the value in this fruit, even personally seeking out suppliers, you can bet it’s going to be a major success!
“You had the seller right in front of you, but you turned her away! Are you an idiot?!”
Meanwhile, Yu Luo followed Wu Zhao, deep in thought.
Someone had already bought out all the fruit in the city?
Who was that smart buyer?
Before she could dwell on it too much, they arrived at Wu Trading House.
Wu Zhao led her to a small meeting hall, where a servant promptly brought out tea and pastries. Yu Luo, of course, politely declined.
“Have you ever tried cool melon, Mister Wu?”
“You may call me Boss Wu or Manager Wu.”
“Then, Boss Wu it is.”
Wu Zhao smiled approvingly, pouring her a cup of tea before speaking.
“I was fortunate enough to taste it once, but it was only a small slice. Even so, I’ve never forgotten the flavor.”
Yu Luo was mildly surprised but quickly took out a cool melon from her bag and placed it on the tea table.
“In that case, you can have a proper taste today.
“This melon was harvested four days ago, but it’s still fresh, very sweet, and full of juice.”
Wu Zhao didn’t hesitate. He smiled and nodded, picking up the melon and handing it to a servant.
“Take this to the kitchen and slice it up.”
The servant accepted the melon but looked nervous.
“S-Sir, I… I’ve never seen this kind of melon before. I don’t know how to cut it properly.”
“Just bring me a knife and a plate, and I’ll do it myself.”
Yu Luo stepped in to help.
“That works. Do as the lady says.”
A short while later, the knife and plate were ready.
Yu Luo cut the ten-pound melon in half, then sliced it into neat, even pieces, arranging them beautifully on a white porcelain plate.
The vibrant red flesh, set against the white plate, looked irresistibly appetizing.
“Take this out and let everyone have a taste.”
Wu Zhao wasn’t stingy. He picked up a plate and handed it to his servant.
The servant was stunned but then beamed with joy as he rushed off to share the fruit with the staff.
“Miss, I hope you don’t mind? I believe that if my employees taste the product, they’ll be better able to explain it to customers.”
“Not at all. If I cut it, it’s meant to be shared. But it seems you’re very interested in this cool melon, Boss Wu.”
Wu Zhao nodded without hesitation.
Of course he was interested!
This melon was incredibly rare in Dongfeng Kingdom—even royalty cherished it.
If he wanted to make big money, he needed to target the wealthy.
And now, a golden opportunity had landed right in his lap.
“To be honest, my business spans half of Dongfeng Kingdom. If we work together long-term, both of us will make an absolute fortune.”
